Opotiki ‘butt’ count indicates less public smoking

MEDIA RELEASE 3 March 2009

Opotiki ‘butt’ count indicates fewer people smoking in public

A recent cigarette butt count in Opotiki indicates more people are choosing not to smoke in outdoor public places.

Toi Te Ora – Public Health staff counted 450 cigarette butts in five parks (Memorial Park, Rose Garden, Princess St Reserve, John Burdett Park, Skate Park) in January – compared to 1,200 last year.

The collection aimed to measure the success of the Smokefree Outdoor Spaces policy, which came into effect one year ago (March 2008). The policy, adopted by Opotiki District Council, asks people to refrain from smoking in council owned playgrounds, parks, sports fields, reserves, gardens and beaches.

“The number of cigarette butts collected is down nearly two thirds, it is great news,” says Toi Te Ora – Public Health, Regional Manager, Graeme Savage. “It shows that Opotiki residents care about the future of our children and young people and want to provide a clean, healthy place to play. What a great way to mark the one year anniversary of Opotiki going Smokefree in public spaces.”

The Smokefree Outdoor Spaces policy aims to normalise non-smoking and encourage positive role models for both children and young people in Opotiki District.

“Evidence shows that children and young adults learn from observing others and tend to follow the behaviour of role models,” says Graeme Savage. “We’re encouraging Opotiki residents to keep the good work up and refrain from smoking in outdoor public spaces.”

Opotiki is the first council in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts to adopt a comprehensive policy. Rotorua has since developed its Smokefree Outdoor Spaces policy (December 2008).

ENDS

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